Ventilated water closet or toilet



Feb. 19, 1946.- Y J. G. scHoTTHoEFl-:R 2,395,235Y

VENTILATED WATER CLOSET OR TOILET -Filed Aug. 1s, 1944 s sheets-sheet 1 Feb.. 19, 1946.` .1 G. scHo'rTHpr-:FER 2,395,236

VENTILATED WATER CLOSET 0R TOILET Filed Aug. 18, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 19, 1946. f J; G. scHoTTHoEFr-:R 2,395,236

/ `VENT.'[LJA'IED WATER CLOSET OR TOILET I Filed Aug. 18, 1944 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 IIN i ILM Patented Feb. 19, 1946 UNITED STATES y PATENT OFFICE VENTILATED` WATER. CLOSET OR TOILET Joseph G. Schotthoefer, Detroit, Mich.

Application August 18, 1944, Serial No. 550,067

referred to whereby the operation of the struc- 14 Claims.

This invention relates to a ventilated water closet or toilet.

The invention is particularly concerned with a toilet construction having Ventilating means associated therewith and having the same general principle of operationas disclosed in my Patent No. 2,309,925, granted February 2, 1943, and of which the present invention is an improvement.

The structure disclosed in my said patent gen erally comprises adjacent' vertical channels in the rear wall of the flush tank with the lower end of one thereof communicating with the ush outlet in the bowl and the lower end of the other thereof in communication with the bowl through the seat. The structure further includes a housing at the upper ends of the channels and effecting communication therebetween for passage of gases upwardly through the second channel from the bowl and downwardly through the rst channel into the flush outlet.

The structure further includes a valve-controlled water tube having one end thereof in the housing and having a plurality of apertures for directing water upwardly against the concave portion of a baille having a relatively flat portion disposed above the upper end of the rst channel, Also arranged within the housing is a valve cooperating with the upper end of the first channel to prevent return of gases from the iiush outlet to the bowl.

The structure according to the patent, in cornmon with the structure of the present invention, also embodies means operable by the flush handle for jointly operating the water tube controlling valve and the last mentioned valve, i

A primary object of the present invention is to improve the structure disclosed in my patent in the p-rovision of more eilicient valve means to prevent the return of gases from the hush outlet to the bowl.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a valve structure for the purpose above set forth which is manually operable by movement of the iiush handle, together with a water reservoir in cooperation with the valve structure for preventing return of gases in the event of imperfect closing of the valve structure.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a ventilated water closet of the character above referred to with provisionformaintenance of the eiiciency thereof through a flow of Water eiected upon flushing of the to-ilet.

A still further object of the invention is the provision of a ventilated toilet including various ture is substantially improved.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent in the course of the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein Figure 1 is a vertical sectional view of the improved structure, the section being taken generally on the broken line l-l, Fig. 2.

Fig. 2 is a vertical section substantially on the broken line 2 2. Fig. 1

Fig. 3 is 3,- broken bottom plan view of the flush tank as observed on line 3--3`, Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of the rear portion of the bowl as observed on line 4 4, Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a botto-m plan view of the toilet seat, showing its hinge connection with the bowl.

Fig. 6 is a vertical section through the top portion of the bowl and the seat operatively associated therewith.

Referring now in detail to the drawings by use of reference characters, the letter T designates the ush tank and B designates the cooperating bowl The tank and bowl are more or less of general construction but are modied in a, manner later to be pointed out in the provision of the improved Ventilating means.

The bowl B com-prises a rear tank-supporting top portion lll and a seat portion Il. The bowl further includes the usual usn outlet l2 and the trap I3. A chamber I4 is provided in the portion ID' of the bowl and which chamber is in communication with the channel l5 extending about the seat portion Il and ports i6 communicate with the channel and the interior of the bowl in accordance with usual practice.V

A rectangular vertical flange l1 is unitary with the bowl portion Il] and removably supports the bottom wall I8 of the tank T.

The top wall of chamber I4 is provided with an opening I9 in vertical register with a like opening 20 in the wall I8 and through which a flush nipple 2| extends, an adjusting nut 22 and sealing Washer 23 being provided on the nipple. The nipple 2| is providedV with the usual overflow or stand pipe 24 from which is slidably supported the water ilow control ball 25, which is operable by suitable connection from the flush handle actuated shaft 26.

The top portion l0 of the bowl B is further provided with a vertical flange 27 within and in spacedrelation to ange l1. The flange 2l is of less height than flange Il and provides thereimprovements over thestructure of the patent between a water reservoir 28. The nipple 2l .is

located within the flange 21, as is more clearly indicated in Figs. 3 and 4.

The bowl portion I6 further includes a gas outlet passage 29 in communication with the flush outlet l2, and the wall 38 of the passage 29 adjacent its upper end provides a seat 3| for a valve later referred to.

As is indicated in Fig. 4, the flange 21 includes a curved portion 21' in spaced and substantially concentric relation to the wall 30.

The bottom wall I8 of the tank T is provided with a depending flange 32 including a curved portion 32 in conformity with the curved portion 21 of flange 21. The flange 32, 32 is of less depth than the tank supporting flange |1 and rests between same and the flange 21 within the water reservoir 28, as is indicated in Figs. l and 2.

The tank T includes a relatively thick rear wall in which is provided a valve chamber 34,

a vertical gas port 35 to the rear of the chamber, and a gas port 36 separated from port 35 by a wall 31 and separated from chamber 34 by horizontal and vertical walls 38 and 39, respectively.

The lower end of port 35 opens into the water reservoir 28 as well as the valve chamber 34, and the lower end of port 36 opens into chamber 40 betweenvbowl portion |0 and the tank wall i8. A port 4| extends through the bowl portion |0 with its opposite ends communicating with chamber 46 and the interior of the bowl.

The toilet is ventilated by the means disclosed in my referred to patent which includes a water tube 42 having one end thereof disposed within a housing 43 supported on the top of tank T within the lid L and above and in communication with the upper ends of gas ports 35 and 36. The end of the tube 42 is provided with perforations to direct water upwardly against the arched portion 44 of an apron 45 whose lower depending portion provides for the suction creating water drops, as is fully set forth in the above mentioned patent.

The other end of tube or pipe 42 communicates with a valve 46 of the structure disclosed in said patent, and which valve is in communication with the main water line through the pipe connection 48.. The valve is operable through movement of the flush handle actuated shaft 26 in the same manner as disclosed in the patent, and which briefly includes a cam 49 cooperable with the opposed branches of the fork 58 on one end of a lever 5| whose opposite end is pivoted at 52 to a plate 53 rigid with the casing of the valve 46. The valve stem 54 is provided with a head 55 operable between lugs 56 and 51 on the lever 5|.

Thus upon clockwise rotation of shaft 26, effected by upward movement of the usual flush handle, the valve 46 will be opened to effect flow of Water through the apertured end of the pipe 42 for drawing foul gases from within the bowl, through port 4|, chamber 40, port 36, port 35, passage 29, and flush outlet I2. v

It should be here noted that the toilet seat 59 is provided with a yieldable strip 60 provided with an air inlet passage 62 at the front of the seat.

In accordance with my patented structure the gas control valve is located in the housing 43. The valve according to the present invention is located within chamber 34 and is of cup-like formation, 'having a circular head 64 and a cylindrical skirt 65. The wall of chamber 3.4a'cts.

as a guide for the valve skirt, and in order to avoid cocking of the valve in its vertical movements the head 64 is provided with depending right angular lin-like guide members 66 for co operation with the wall 38 of passage 29.

The valve head 64 is adapted to rest on the valve seat 3| when the valve is closed, as in Fig. 2, to prevent return of foul gases from the flush outlet |2. In its closed position the lower end of the valve skirt 65 rests in a depressed portion 61 in the water reservoir 28. The purpose for the depressed portion is that in the event the valve head does not rest in sealing engagement with the valve seat 3| the water in the reservoir provides a seal against passage of gases through the valve, the depressed portion serving, in effect, as a trap. The valve is simultaneously operable with the water valve 46 in the provision of a lever arm 16 carried by cam 49 and to which one end of a rod 1| is pivotally connected, as at 12. The opposite end of the rod is pivotally connected at 13 to the end of a lever arm 14 having a shaft 15 extending within the housing 43 and to the inner end of which is fixed a lever arm 16 to which is pivoted at 11 the' upper end of a rod 18 whose lower end extends through a vertical slot 19 in the wall of chamber 34 and which is pivotally connected as at to the valve head 64.

A water pipe line 8| interconnects the usual ball cock 82 with the gas port 35, whereby after a toilet flushing operation water will flow down port 35 into reservoir 28 and overflow the flange 21 and enter the chamber 40. From the chamber 43 the water will flow through port 4| and into the bowl trap |3. This construction has in fact a triple function in that it keeps the reservoir 28 filled with water, keeps port 4| clean, and also maintains the water seal in the toilet bowl trap I3.

As in the patented structure, a weight 84 is connected with the lever arm 14 and is engageable with opposed stops 85 and 86 in open and closed position of the valves 46, 64, respectively.

The improved construction in accordance with the present invention is operative in the same general manner as that of my patent, in that the valves 46 and 64 are simultaneously operated through movement of shaft 26 in a clockwise direction or upon upward movement of the flush handle, as disclosed in the patent.

In Fig. 1 the Ventilating means is shown in operative position wherein lever 5| has been raised through clockwise rotationA of cam 49, with the result that the valve stern 54 has been raised and unseated the valve to provide a flow of water from pipe 48 and through the pipe 42, resulting in the jet spray from the apron or baille 44. The rapidly falling water drops, as in the patent, effect a suction, with the result that air is drawn in through the opening 62 in the seat strip 68, through the bowl beneath the seat, through the port 4 I, chamber 46, port 36, port 35, valve chamber 34, passage 29, and out through ther flush outlet 2.

During this drawing of the foul gases from within the bowl, the valve 64 is, of course, in raised open position as was effected through rods 1| and 18 and the intermediate connections upon the clockwise rotation of shaft 26.

rl`he shaft 26 is provided with a flush-operating handle as in the patent and arranged, as therein disclosed, for flushing upon downward or anticlockwise rotation of the shaft 26. Accordingly, the Ventilating mechanism is closed or out of operation, as in Fig. 2, upon ilushing of the bowl.'

With the structure in the position of Fig. 2, the

valve head tnormally engages the valve seat 3l to preclude the return of foul gases from passage 29 to the port 35, but in the event that foreign matter lodges under the valve head and maintains same slightly above the valve seat, the water in the reservoir 23 provides a trap against the passage of gases around the lower end of the valve skirt 65,

By the vprovision oi the flange 32 projecting between flanges Il and 21, the water in the reservoir also forms a seal against passage of foul gases through the joint between the bowl B and the tank T..

Upon iiushing of the bowl, water will be caused to low vthrough the pipe connection 8| and down through port 35 and into the reservoir 28. The water thus admitted is the amount usually delivered for reiilling the bowl trap I3, and conseduently the reservoir will not only be maintained full but at each flushing operation will overiiow, with the excess water running into chamber 4o. and thence through the Ventilating port 4l, and thence into the trap l 3.

Thus, by leading the pipe 8 l, which in usual constructions is connected into the stand pipe 24, into the port the Ventilating mechanism is automatically maintained in operative condition while the bowl trap I3 is also filled after each flushing operation.

It will be appreciated from the foregoing disclosure that a ventilated toilet is provided which is relatively simple in construction, durable, and one which is highly emcient in operation.

While I have disclosed but a single speciiic embodiment of my invention, the same is to be considered as illustrative only, and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being defined in the sub- .ioined claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by U. S. Letters Patent is:

1. A ventilated water closet or toilet comprisingY a bowl having a flush outlet and a ypassage communioating therewith, a iush tank supported on the bowl, a chamber in the lower portion of the tank for selective communication with the passage, interconnecting ports in the bowl and tank providing communication between the bowl and the chamber, means disposed above the chamber for effecting travel of foul gases through said ports from the bowl to the chamber, a valve movably disposed in said chamber for selectively controlling communication between same and the passage, and means for jointly operating said rst means and said valve.

2. A ventilated water closet or toilet comprising a bowl including a seat portion and a iiush tank supporting portion, a valve controlled passage in the second portion in communication with the iiush outlet of the bowl, a pair of ports in the rear wall of the tank having upper communicating ends, a port in the second named bowl portion in communication with the first portion and the lower end of one of said rst ports, the lower end of the other of said first ports being in selective communication with said passage, a slidable valve supported by the tank and movable therein for controlling the selective communication between the passage and the said other of the ports, means supported by the tank above said valve for effecting a partial vacuum in said other of the ports to provide a flow of foul gases through all of said ports from said seat portion of the bowl to the lower end of said other port, and common means supported by the tank for jointly operating said valve and said iirst means.

3. A ventilated water closet or toilet comprising abowl including a seat portionand a flush tank supporting portion, a rectangular vertical ilange on the second portion, a hush tank having a bottom wall removably supported on said flange and having a depending rectangular nange disposed within and adjacent the bowl flange, the second portion ci the bowl having a vertically disposed valve controlled passage in communication with the iiush outlet thereof, a vertically disposed chamber in said tank above said passage, a valve `vertically movable in said chamber for selectively controlling communication between the chamber and passage, a pair of foul gas conducting ports in said tank having upper communicating ends, -a chamber between the bottom wall'of said tank and the second bowl portion,

the lower end of one of said ports being in communicatlon with said second chamber, the lower end of the other port being in communication with said valve chamber, a port in said second bowl portion in communication with the rst portion and said second chamber, means supported bythe tank adjacent the upper communicating ends of the pair of ports for effecting travel of foul gases from the first bowl portion to the valve chamber, and means supported by the tank for jointly operating the valve and said first means.

4. The structure according to claim 3, wherein said rst means comprises a valve controlled water pipe having small apertures for directing drops of water into the upper end of the other of said pair of ports, and wherein said last means comprises a handle actuated shaft having operative connections with the iirst and last named valves.

5. The structure according to claim 3, wherein said passage is provided in part by a cylindrical wall having a valve seat at its upper end, and wherein said valve includes a circular head engage-able with said seat and a depending cylindrical skirt, and a water seal reservoir surrounding said wall and into which said skirt extends when the head of the valve engages thel seat.

6. A Ventilating toilet comprising a bowl including a seat portion and flush tank supporting portion, a flush tank removably seated on said second bowl portion, a foul'gas passageway ein tending through the bowl and tank providing for the iiow of foul gases from within the seat por tion of the bowl to the flush outlet thereof, said passageway including a vertically disposed passage in the second bowl portion delinea by a tubular-,wall having a free end defining a valve seat, means supported by the flush tank for effecting movement of the gases through said passageway from the bowl seat portion to the liush outlet, a Valve movably supported within the tank and cooperating with said valve seat to preclude return of gases from the iiush outlet when said means is rendered inoperative, and manually operable means supported by the tank for jointly rendering said rst means operative and inoperative and unseating and seating said valve, respectively.

7. The structure according to claim 6, together with a water reservoir in the second named bowl portion in surrounding relation to said tubular wall, and wherein said valve includes a tubular skirt which in closed position of the valve surrounds said tubular wall and depends within the water reservoir whereby providing a water seal against return of gases from the liush outlet in the event that the valve is not fully seated,

8. The structure according to claim 6, wherein said valve includes a circular head and a depending tubular skirt, the tank being provided with a cylindrical chamber for guided movement of the skirt, and guide members depending from the valve head for guiding movement within the tubular wall.

9. A Ventilating toilet comprising a bowl including a seat portion and a flush tank supporting portion, a ush tank removably supported on the second bowl portion and having a bottom wall in vertically spaced relation to the upper face of the second bowl portion, a vertically disposed valve chamber in said tank opening through the bottom wall thereof, a vertical passage in the second bowl portion axially alined with said chamber and having communication with the bowl ush outlet, a passageway extending through said bowl and tank providing for movement of foul gases from within the bowl seat portion to s-aid valve chamber, valve controlled means operative from the flush handle actuated shaft in the tank for effecting movement of gases through said passageway from within the bowl to said valve chamber, said vertical passageway in the second bowl portion being dened by a tubular wall whose upper end provides a valve seat, a valve vertically movable in said chamber and cooperating with said seat to check return movement of gases when said means is rendered inoperative, and an operating connection between said shaft and said valve for joint operation of said means and said valve.

l0. The structure according to claim 9, wherein said second bowl portion is provided with inner and outer vertical flanges providing therebetween a water reservoir, and wherein said valve includes a cylindrical skirt telescopically engageable within said reservoir when in substantially seated position, thereby providing a water seal to prevent return movement of gases in the event the valve fails to fully seat.

1l. A Ventilating toilet comprising'a bowl including a seat portion and a ilush tank supporting portion, spaced inner and outer Vertical anges on the upper face of the second bowl portion and defining therebetween a water reservoir, a flush tank having a bottom wall supported on the outer of said flanges in spaced relation to the face of said second bowl portion, a vertical flangeI depending from the bottom wall of the tank and disposed between the bowl ilanges and in said reservoir, the bottom wall of the tank, upper face of the second bowl portion, the inner of said bowl anges and the tank flange defining a chamber, a port in said second bowl portion in communication with the seat portion and said chamber, a vertically disposed valve chamber in said tank opening through the lower wall thereof above said reservoir, a vertically disposed tubular wall in said second bowl portion in axial alinement with said valve chamber and defining a passage in communication with the bowl ilush outlet, a passageway in said tank providing communication between said chambers, means operatively connected with the flush handle actuated shaft for eiecting movement of foul gases through said port, rst chamber and said passageway to said valve chamber, a valve vertically movable in said valve chamber and engageable with the upper end of said tubular wall to prevent return of gases from the flush outlet, and a connection between the said shaft and said valve for moving same jointly with said means with' the valve being moved to open position when said means is operative and to closed position when said means is inoperative.

12. The structure according to claim 11, wherein said passageway includes a vertical branch in communication with said valve chamber and disposed above said reservoir, and wherein said tank includes a ball cock, and a water conduit connecting said ball cock with said vertical branch whereby upon a flushing operation water flows into said reservoir, overflows th'e inner'of said bowl flanges into said chamber, flows through said port and thence into the water trap in the bowl.

13. The structure according to claim 11, wherein the flange on the tank is of less depth than the outer of said bowl flanges whereby providing a water seal against passage of gases through the joint 'between the bowl and the tank.

14. The structure according to claim, l1, where- 'in said passageway includes a vertical port leading from adjacent the top of said tank to said valve chamber, and a second port including a vertical portion communicating with said first port through a housing enclosing said means at the top of said tank, a horizontal portion above said valve chamber, and a second vertical portion to one side of said valve chamber and opening into said ilrst chamber.

JOSEPH G. SCHOTTHOEFER. 

